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katie
Student
Riverside, California
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What is the ideal about of major classes and GE classes should I take each quarter?
GE is general education classes, also sometimes called Breadth Classes.
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
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Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
I don't think there is an "ideal" method. It depends on your interests and what uou study. You could do the GE first to "get it out of the way". You could do the GE first fto explore other disciplines. You could use GE classes, if they are perceived as "easy" to "dilute" the more difficult major classes. Some of the classes might overlap meaning you can only take them in a certain year anyway. You could take GE at a community college to save some money and transfer for your major. All valid. The beauty of college is that there is not just one "correct" way.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Katie,
Determining the Ideal Number of Major Classes and GE Classes to Take Each Quarter
In determining the ideal number of major classes and general education (GE) classes to take each quarter, it is important to consider several factors such as academic workload, personal commitments, graduation requirements, and individual learning preferences. Here are some steps to help you decide on the appropriate balance:
1. Consult with Academic Advisor: One of the first steps in planning your course load each quarter is to consult with your academic advisor. Academic advisors are knowledgeable about degree requirements, course sequencing, and can provide personalized guidance based on your academic goals and interests.
2. Review Degree Requirements: Review the requirements for your major and general education courses outlined in your university’s academic catalog. Make note of how many major classes you need to complete for your degree and which GE categories you need to fulfill.
3. Consider Credit Units: Take into account the credit units assigned to each major class and GE class. Typically, major classes carry more credit units than GE classes. Ensure that you are meeting the minimum credit unit requirement for full-time student status.
4. Balance Your Course Load: Strive for a balanced course load each quarter by considering factors such as difficulty level of courses, workload intensity, and personal commitments outside of academics. It is recommended to mix challenging major classes with lighter GE classes to maintain a manageable workload.
5. Prioritize Graduation Requirements: Prioritize completing major requirements that are prerequisites for advanced courses or capstone projects in your program. Ensure that you are making steady progress towards fulfilling all degree requirements within the expected timeline.
6. Evaluate Your Learning Style: Consider your learning style and preferences when deciding on the number of major classes and GE classes to take each quarter. Some students may prefer focusing on fewer classes in-depth, while others may thrive with a diverse range of subjects.
7. Monitor Academic Performance: Regularly monitor your academic performance throughout the quarter to gauge whether your course load is manageable or if adjustments need to be made. Seek support from professors or academic resources if you encounter challenges in any of your courses.
8. Seek Feedback from Peers: Engage with peers who are pursuing a similar course load or have experience balancing major classes and GE classes. Peer insights can offer valuable perspectives on managing academic responsibilities effectively.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many major classes and GE classes you should take each quarter as it varies based on individual circumstances and academic goals. By following these steps and seeking guidance from academic advisors, you can tailor your course schedule to align with your educational objectives effectively.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE provides valuable insights into best practices for college students in terms of course selection, career readiness, and academic planning.
American Council on Education (ACE): ACE offers resources related to higher education policies, degree requirements, and academic advising practices that can inform decisions regarding course loads.
U.S. Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education’s website contains information on federal guidelines for higher education institutions, including recommendations for structuring academic programs and course schedules effectively.
God Bless,
JC.
Determining the Ideal Number of Major Classes and GE Classes to Take Each Quarter
In determining the ideal number of major classes and general education (GE) classes to take each quarter, it is important to consider several factors such as academic workload, personal commitments, graduation requirements, and individual learning preferences. Here are some steps to help you decide on the appropriate balance:
1. Consult with Academic Advisor: One of the first steps in planning your course load each quarter is to consult with your academic advisor. Academic advisors are knowledgeable about degree requirements, course sequencing, and can provide personalized guidance based on your academic goals and interests.
2. Review Degree Requirements: Review the requirements for your major and general education courses outlined in your university’s academic catalog. Make note of how many major classes you need to complete for your degree and which GE categories you need to fulfill.
3. Consider Credit Units: Take into account the credit units assigned to each major class and GE class. Typically, major classes carry more credit units than GE classes. Ensure that you are meeting the minimum credit unit requirement for full-time student status.
4. Balance Your Course Load: Strive for a balanced course load each quarter by considering factors such as difficulty level of courses, workload intensity, and personal commitments outside of academics. It is recommended to mix challenging major classes with lighter GE classes to maintain a manageable workload.
5. Prioritize Graduation Requirements: Prioritize completing major requirements that are prerequisites for advanced courses or capstone projects in your program. Ensure that you are making steady progress towards fulfilling all degree requirements within the expected timeline.
6. Evaluate Your Learning Style: Consider your learning style and preferences when deciding on the number of major classes and GE classes to take each quarter. Some students may prefer focusing on fewer classes in-depth, while others may thrive with a diverse range of subjects.
7. Monitor Academic Performance: Regularly monitor your academic performance throughout the quarter to gauge whether your course load is manageable or if adjustments need to be made. Seek support from professors or academic resources if you encounter challenges in any of your courses.
8. Seek Feedback from Peers: Engage with peers who are pursuing a similar course load or have experience balancing major classes and GE classes. Peer insights can offer valuable perspectives on managing academic responsibilities effectively.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many major classes and GE classes you should take each quarter as it varies based on individual circumstances and academic goals. By following these steps and seeking guidance from academic advisors, you can tailor your course schedule to align with your educational objectives effectively.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): NACE provides valuable insights into best practices for college students in terms of course selection, career readiness, and academic planning.
American Council on Education (ACE): ACE offers resources related to higher education policies, degree requirements, and academic advising practices that can inform decisions regarding course loads.
U.S. Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education’s website contains information on federal guidelines for higher education institutions, including recommendations for structuring academic programs and course schedules effectively.
God Bless,
JC.
Julien Orellana
Case Manager | Public Health Graduate Student |
15
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Julien’s Answer
Hello Katie,
Starting with your General Education (GE) courses is a wise move. This approach not only opens up a world of diverse subjects for you to delve into, but it also helps you shape your academic path. By exploring various disciplines, you'll gain a clearer vision of what you want to focus on for your degree.
Remember, some of your major courses might even overlap with your GE requirements. For instance, if you're a Health Sciences student, courses like public speaking or interpersonal communication could fulfill both your speech GE requirement and major requirements. This is particularly beneficial if you're considering a career in nursing.
So, don't hesitate to explore this further with your school's academic advising center. They can answer any queries you might have. Remember, the strategy of 'killing two birds with one stone' can be incredibly beneficial in this scenario.
Exploring various subjects now will undoubtedly pay off in the long run, paving the way for your future career aspirations. Keep going, Katie! Your educational journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
Starting with your General Education (GE) courses is a wise move. This approach not only opens up a world of diverse subjects for you to delve into, but it also helps you shape your academic path. By exploring various disciplines, you'll gain a clearer vision of what you want to focus on for your degree.
Remember, some of your major courses might even overlap with your GE requirements. For instance, if you're a Health Sciences student, courses like public speaking or interpersonal communication could fulfill both your speech GE requirement and major requirements. This is particularly beneficial if you're considering a career in nursing.
So, don't hesitate to explore this further with your school's academic advising center. They can answer any queries you might have. Remember, the strategy of 'killing two birds with one stone' can be incredibly beneficial in this scenario.
Exploring various subjects now will undoubtedly pay off in the long run, paving the way for your future career aspirations. Keep going, Katie! Your educational journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I took all of my GE classes first which left all of my major specific classes last. I majored in Psychology and some of the classes covered similar material, so it made studying and tests a little easier.
This also lets you explore other things first and maybe you find you enjoy something else a little more :)
This also lets you explore other things first and maybe you find you enjoy something else a little more :)
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I usually took 3 general ed classes and one or two major classes per semester the first two years, Junior and senior year I took mostly major classes and the few general ed I had remaining to take. I also went to summer school once for a general ed class and night class for one of my minor classes. Summer school, if offered, is a good way to do the general ed.